Frequently Asked Questions About Adoption

For Pregnant Women

1. What is Open Adoption?

At Adoptions From The Heart, we allow women the chance to decide if they would like to choose the adoptive family for the baby and if they would like to have on going contact with the baby and the adoptive family after the baby is born. Some women would like to see pictures of the baby and get letters from the adoptive family. Other women would like the chance to visit with the adoptive family and the baby. While other women would like to select the adoptive family but are not comfortable with on going contact. These choices are up to you. The counselors at Adoptions From The Heart can help you to decide what is best for you.

2. I’m not sure where to start. What do I do first?

You’ve already started reading about adoption on the Internet. That’s a great first start. It’s important for you to learn about your options so that you can make the best possible decisions for you and your baby. A counselor at Adoptions From The Heart can provide you with support, counseling and information. If you decide that adoption is the best plan for you and your baby, we can help you through each step of the process.

3. I don’t have any medical insurance. How will I pay my medical bills?

A counselor at Adoptions From The Heart can assist you in getting the medical coverage that you are entitled to. If you don’t qualify for medical insurance and you decide that adoption is the best choice for you and your baby, the medical bills for your pregnancy and your delivery can be covered by the adoptive family.

4. Will I get to choose the Adoptive Family?

At Adoptions From The Heart, we believe that you should be able to select the adoptive family for their baby. You can see profiles of all the perspective adoptive families that match your background. These families have already been approved as adoptive parents by Adoptions From The Heart. We do not pre-select families or limit the number of family profiles that you can view. The counselors at Adoptions From The Heart want to be sure that you have all the options in your situation so that you can make the best decision possible.
Also, it’s important to know that you do not have to select the adoptive family if you would prefer not to. Your counselor will discuss with you any preferences that you have about the type of adoptive family the baby should be placed in and the counselor will then select a family based upon your requests.

5. Will my baby go into foster care?

No. Many women feel strongly about foster care and their baby having to go to a home other than the one that they have chosen. At Adoptions From The Heart, we believe that babies should be placed directly with the adoptive parents that you have selected.

6. Do I have to pick the family?

You aren’t required to select a family for the baby. Some woman ask their social worker to select a family based on what they feel is important in a family. For instance, some women would like a family with a stay at home parents, others feel that religious background of the family is important to them, while other women may want the adoptive family to share some of their hobbies and interests.

7. Can I stay in touch?

Absolutely! As you are thinking about the kind of adoption that you would like to have, you should consider what kind of contact you would like to have with the adoptive family after the baby is placed with them. There are many options! You can exchange letters and photos, emails or even visit. A counselor from AFTH can help you to find a family that looks forward to the continued contact that you are most comfortable with.

8. What if I don’t want to meet the adoptive family?

That’s OK. You can decide if they are comfortable meeting the adoptive family or not. For some women and men, meeting seems scary at first. That’s why is so important to know that your AFTH counselor will help you to decide what makes the most sense for you.

9. Will I be able to see my baby in the hospital? Will my family, friends and the birthfather be able to see my baby?

Yes, you can spend as much or as little time as you would like with the baby. You will determine who else sees the baby. Your counselor will help you make the arrangements.

10. What if I change my mind?

No binding decision can be made until after your baby is born. Each state has different laws regarding the time frame you have to change your mind once you sign papers terminating your parental rights. We have "know your rights" flyers for every state we are licensed that will help you understand your legal rights regarding the adoption process.

11. What do I have to do?

There are very few pieces that you must do in adoption. We require women to fill in what they know about their medical background for the baby. And, if you decide that adoption is the right plan for you there is paperwork that must be completed. But everything else in the adoption plan is flexible – you can decide if you would like to select the family, if you would like to meet them before the baby is born, if you want to keep in touch after the baby is placed, and so many other things. That’s why it’s important to connect with one of our counselors. She will help you through each decision and be there to support you.

12. What do I do next?

Call us toll free 24/7 at 1-800-355-5500 or text us at 610-787-2453 to make an appointment with a counselor. If transportation is a problem, we'll come to you. We'll be discreet when returning your call.